Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes > Chapter 30 > Article 45

Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.

Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.

Embezzlement: In most states, embezzlement is defined as theft/larceny of assets (money or property) by a person in a position of trust or responsibility over those assets. Embezzlement typically occurs in the employment and corporate settings. Source: OCC

Felony: A crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison.

Misdemeanor: Usually a petty offense, a less serious crime than a felony, punishable by less than a year of confinement.

Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.

Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.